lucinadoren's review
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jtlars7's review against another edition
3.0
Very good historical novel set in Sierra Leone, told from the viewpoints of several women.
mazza57's review against another edition
1.0
I really struggled with this book. It is told from multiple points of view creating a story of women's lives in Sierra Leone from the 1920's into the 21st century. It was turgid and depressing in places and failed to lift me out of life today into the fictional setting that was alive with possibility. I did consider giving up but managed to struggle through in the end. I have dithered between 1 and 2 stars but really cannot warrant more than the one.
shelleyanderson4127's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written novel which explores several generations of Sierra Leonean women. INcludes one of the most undernarrated themes around--women's political agency. Some stirring scenes in the book will stay with me for a long time--including one which the writer says is modeled after a true experience of her mother.
paulap's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.25
There were some interesting elements regarding the history, culture and spirituality of Sierra Leone, but personally for me there were too many characters and jumps in time for me to get invested into any of it. I cannot pinpoint why, but I don’t seem to gel with forna’s writing style, it falls flat for me.
cherryghost15's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully told story of Sierra Leone through the voices of four daughters in the Kholifa clan (same father, all different mothers) spanning from 1926 to 2003. Describes a nearly lost way of life, the tragedy of civil war, and the unbreakable bonds of family, especially women. Really quite an achievement. Read the first time straight through, then re-read each aunt's story in order: Asana, Mariama, Hawa, and Serah, all being told to their neice Abie who has made her home in England. Very interesting--the landscape, traditions, Islamist and Christian influences, imperial rule, and painful modern African politics. Five different voices set against a vivid history--in the world and in their country.
gemmabelle's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
bookwormellie's review
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jaclynwds's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book as part of my studies, and it deserves to be studied. A simple read of this book does it no justice – it's a complex, meaningful artwork and its value grows upon a deeper understanding.
Forna explores the lives of four women in Sierra Leone, all of whose mothers' were married to the same man in a polygamous marriage. Through telling their histories to the daughter of one wife, they describe their lives in terms of spiritual, sociological and political changes. Whether this is rising up from an abusive marriage into which they were forced, reaching financial independence after being prohibited to work, or defying the military to support a free and fair election, each story speaks to liberation (or inability to do so) while trying to stay true to a sense of culture.
After reading further about this book, I've come to realise how important it is. It places women within the history of Sierra Leone and speaks their often untold story, showing their impact on their country and culture. Despite this heavier understanding, the book is very easy to read, full of beautiful descriptions, exciting storylines and powerful characters. Initially rated four stars, moved up to five, would recommend.
Forna explores the lives of four women in Sierra Leone, all of whose mothers' were married to the same man in a polygamous marriage. Through telling their histories to the daughter of one wife, they describe their lives in terms of spiritual, sociological and political changes. Whether this is rising up from an abusive marriage into which they were forced, reaching financial independence after being prohibited to work, or defying the military to support a free and fair election, each story speaks to liberation (or inability to do so) while trying to stay true to a sense of culture.
After reading further about this book, I've come to realise how important it is. It places women within the history of Sierra Leone and speaks their often untold story, showing their impact on their country and culture. Despite this heavier understanding, the book is very easy to read, full of beautiful descriptions, exciting storylines and powerful characters. Initially rated four stars, moved up to five, would recommend.
ninachachu's review
4.0
Definitely worth reading - for what it says about Sierra Leone, about its history, about its women, its politics. And for some beautifully written passages.
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